Lipstick Lesbian Catch

Interview with an Ally: Straight Support

^{I like to think of the LGBT community as a supportive family. After all, we have a shared struggle and thus an understanding of what it’s like to be queer in a hetero-normative world. Of course we support each other – we’ve been there, and we understand.}

^{We must not, however, forget about our straight allies – the people who, despite their identities, stand with us and continue to fight alongside us for equality.}

^{This week, I’ve interviewed two heterosexual cis-gendered people on their lives, and their role in our movement.}

^1.Chantelle

^{Age: 21}

^{Sex: Female}

^{Gender: Female}

^{Orientation: Straight}

^{Do you feel that LGBT people and straight people are treated equally in society?}

^{No. There’s always going to be a stigma attached to people in the LGBT community, and that’s not okay. It all boils down to respect for each other, essentially. In this country it’s definitely getting better, but it’s sad to see, for example, the Nigerian government treating their gay citizens so poorly.}

^{In what ways are LGBT people treated differently?}

^{So many ways – there are literally different rights for straight people in a lot of places. And, look at sex education in school for example; I only ever learnt about sex with someone of the opposite sex and how to avoid pregnancy. What about same-sex relationships? Where is the education on that? And with my parents, for example, I can bring any guy home and they’d be fine with it and happy – I wouldn’t have to worry about coming out first.}

^{_{Do you feel that you experience, or have ever experienced, straight privilege?}}

^{I feel straight privilege every time I go out for an evening – I can go to any nightclub I like and meet someone, rather than going out of my way to find a safe space. Or, when I’m walking down the road with a boyfriend, no one gives us a second glance. It’s that kind of sense of security that you don’t even realise you have, until you meet couples that don’t.}

^{Do you believe that same-sex marriage should be legal?}

^{Yes, of course! Contrary to popular belief, two people that love each other should be able to experience marriage. Just because they’re the same sex, hell will not rise to Earth, floods will not engulf the city…if anything, the sky will just be filled with rainbows.}

^{What about same-sex couples raising children?}

^{I think the children are often in better hands, actually. Think about it: there are no unwanted pregnancies in same-sex relationships! In all seriousness though, gay and lesbian parents have to take so many steps to get pregnant or adopt a child, they must be so certain before taking that step. The kids grow up in an open and tolerant household. They have a bit of an advantage in life to be fair.}

^{What do you feel your role is in the LGBT movement as a heterosexual?}

^{I try to be an ally in every way I can. Of course, I’m not LGBT so I’m still learning about how best to support the community in a political sense. For my gay friends, I’m there with a tub of ice cream and a shoulder to cry on after a break up in the same way I’m there for my hetero friends. It’s about tailoring your support to the person who needs it…it’s about being a friend.}

^2.Lauren

^{Age: 27}

^{Sex: Female}

^{Gender: (‘Wait. Is that a different thing?’) Female}

^{Orientation: Straight}

^{Do you feel that LGBT people and straight people are treated equally in society?}

^{No – people are too judgemental and have a serious case of tunnel vision when it comes to this topic.}

^{In what ways are LGBT people treated differently?}

^{They are looked down on in society. People can’t see past their religious beliefs and quote the Bible as a tool of hatred.}

^{Do you feel that you experience, or have ever experienced, straight privilege?}

^{No, I haven’t experienced that.}

Pause

^{To be honest, I guess I haven’t noticed. I never really thought about it before. I’ve clearly taken it for granted, haven’t I?}

^{Do you believe that same-sex marriage should be legal?}

^{It should be legalised, because everyone should have equal rights and same-sex marriage provides all couples with protection under the law. Of course, that doesn’t mean that everyone will treat them with respect, but the law can protect them if they experience discrimination.}

^{What about same-sex couples raising children?}

^{I honestly don’t have a problem with it. Straight couples can be great parents, straight couples can be bad parents – it’s the same with gay people. It is important, however, that we educate children in schools about same-sex parented families to help reduce bullying, and not keep it hidden. What’s the point of that?}

^{What do you feel your role is in the LGBT movement as a heterosexual?}

^{A friend and a supporter. We need to all be more tolerant and accepting of each other, and I want to do everything I can to help create a world of equality.}